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Jane Dismore is a freelance writer and biographer who enjoyed several lives before turning to writing on a full-time basis. Her literary agent is Andrew Lownie.

NEWS: Globe Pequot Press have bought rights (USA and Canada) in Jane’s bookPRINCESS: the early life of Elizabeth II to be published in 2018 (see Reviews)

BOOKS:

DUCHESSES: Living in 21st Century Britain(published on 4th September 2014 by Blink Books, an imprint of Bonnier Publishing)

When Kate Middleton was made a royal duchess in 2011, she made the old title topical, even desirable, again. Just below the royal duchesses on the aristocratic tree sits another tiny group of women with their dukes: the non-royal duchesses. They are just as much a part of Britain’s heritage, the dukedoms having been awarded by monarchs since the 16th century, but they are a dying breed.

Ten of these duchesses form the basis of this book. Not only is it the first time they have been featured together but in many cases it is the first time they have talked publicly about themselves and their role. Each also selects a favourite duchess from the past, providing a fascinating gallery through the centuries and a comparison with today – for what does it mean to be a duchess in the 21st century when privilege is not a popular concept?

THE VOICE FROM THE GARDEN: Pamela Hambro and the Tale of Two Families Before and After the Great War (pub. Aug 2012, SilverWood Books)

LONGLISTED 2013 FOR THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE

This true family saga focuses on two prominent families during a turbulent time in Britain’s history: the Hambros, a major merchant banking dynasty, and the Cobbolds, a long established British brewing family from Suffolk, who are united in 1919 by marriage. Their friends include the mighty Morgan banking family of the USA, and the prominent Swedish industrialists, the Wallenbergs, as well as members of the British aristocracy. At the heart of the action lies the love story of Pamela Cobbold and Charles Hambro.